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Bob Marchio: Fly fishing roots run deep in central Pennsylvania

Bob Marchio

Posted:
07/02/2014 11:45:55 PM EDT

Sport fishing in Pennsylvania is a tradition that can be traced back to the colonial days and the sport's movement from the Philadelphia and eastern settlements. Eventually it moved west into other areas. Fishing, especially for coldwater species, became popular in the Cumberland Valley which was home to many limestone creeks and the well-known Yellow Breeches Creek.

Thanks to The Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Association, anglers and the general public can see a documented history of fishing in Pennsylvania at the association's main museum exhibit housed in Fairfield Hall, the dining and guest registration building, at the Allenberry Resort at Boiling Springs.

Fairfield Hall, located about a 100 yards from the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek is an appropriate venue for such a museum. PFFMA officials have expressed their gratitude to the Heinze Family, inn owners, for donating the space.

"Not Just Another Fish Story," is the title of the current exhibit at Allenberry which features the history of the Penn State Angling Program that started in 1934 and continues today. Started by and taught by George Harvey, the program has had tens of thousands of students complete and thereby contribute to trout fishing and water conservation. The exhibits highlights accomplishments of Harvey and four other instructors over the past 75 years, including Joe Humphreys, Vance McCullough and Mark Beldon.

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With help from the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited, PFFMA maintains a satellite exhibit in the Brown Library in Williamsport. This exhibit includes a collection of all things related to fishing to the public. The current exhibit, "Streams of Inspiration," features streams local to Williamsport and books they have inspired to be written. Many of the books are rare or limited editions, along with an impressive list of purely Pennsylvania authors

FREE FISHING DAY &GT;&GT; Families and friends visiting Pennsylvania's popular outdoor spots over the July 4 holiday weekend can enjoy a day of free fishing, thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

Independence Day — Friday, July 4 — marks the second of two free fishing days in the Commonwealth. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone – residents and non-residents — to legally fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., no fishing license is needed to fish in Pennsylvania's waterways. All other fishing regulations apply.

In announcing the event, PFBC Executive Director John Arway said: "Fish-for-Free days are one of the enticements we use to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing. Lakes and parks are always popular spots during the summer and particularly on holidays. This is a convenient way for visitors to try fishing at no cost."

"We know that once people try fishing, particularly kids, they will see that it is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more," he added.

Newcomers to the sport can borrow equipment from dozens of fishing tackle loaner sites across the state. On Lake Marburg in Codorus State Park, the Friends of Codorus State Park are offering to loan fishing equipment for those in need. Inquiries may be made at the park office. A loaner program is also offered at the Gifford Pinchot State Park.

"We want to encourage individuals to try fishing so we've made it easy by setting up tackle loaner sites," adds Laurel Anders, director of the Bureau of Boating and Outreach.

The first Fish-for-Free Day was Memorial Day. More information is available on the PFBC website at: www./fishandboat.com/fishforfree.htm. The website includes interactive maps, regional fishing reports, and tips on fishing fundamentals.